How to Get from Medan Kualanamu Airport (KNO) to Medan City Centre

Quick Answer

The best way to get from Kualanamu Airport to Medan city centre for most travelers is the Railink airport train to Medan Station (30-40 minutes, $5/75,000 IDR). This is the fastest and most reliable option, completely avoiding Medan's notorious traffic. From Medan Station, take a short Blue Bird taxi or Grab (5-20 minutes, $2-6/30,000-90,000 IDR) to your hotel. Alternative options: DAMRI airport bus to various city terminals (60-150 minutes, $1.30-3.30/20,000-50,000 IDR, heavily traffic dependent), Blue Bird taxi with meter (60-120 minutes, $15-30/225,000-450,000 IDR), or Grab/Gojek (60-120 minutes, $10-20/150,000-300,000 IDR). Critical: Last Railink train departs 7-8 PM; after that only taxis/buses available. KNO is 35-40km from the city centre - travel time varies wildly with Medan's infamous traffic.

How to Get from KNO to City Centre by Railink Airport Train

Getting from Kualanamu Airport to Medan city centre is challenging due to distance and traffic, but the Railink airport train to Medan Station provides a reliable alternative. The train takes 30-40 minutes, completely avoiding road traffic. This is Indonesia's most underrated airport rail link and the best option for daytime arrivals. The train station is integrated with Terminal 1. Many online guides barely mention the train, focusing instead on taxis, but this is a mistake. The internet says "take a taxi" for convenience, but that's only true if you enjoy sitting in traffic for 2+ hours.

Route	Train Type	Travel Time	Cost	Transfers to City Centre
KNO Airport → Medan Station	Railink Airport Train (with stops)	30-40 minutes	75,000 IDR ($5)	Taxi/Grab (5-20 minutes)
KNO Airport → Medan via other stations	Local Train (not recommended)	40-50 minutes	15,000-25,000 IDR ($1-1.65)	Taxi (10-25 minutes)
Medan Station → City Hotels	Taxi/Grab/Gojek	5-20 minutes	30,000-90,000 IDR ($2-6)	0 (door-to-door)
Complete Journey	Railink + Taxi	35-60 minutes	105,000-165,000 IDR ($7-11)	1 (train to taxi)

Railink Train: KNO Airport to Medan Station

The Railink airport train departs from the station within Terminal 1. Trains run every 1-2 hours from approximately 7:00 AM to 7:00-8:00 PM (check current schedule). Travel time is 30-40 minutes with 2-3 intermediate stops. Cost: 75,000 IDR ($5) for economy class. Trains are modern, air-conditioned, with luggage racks. This service is operated by Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) and is specifically designed for airport travelers. The train is the only way to guarantee your arrival time in Medan.

A common example of a real-life mistake

You arrive at 6:30 PM, see signs for the Railink train, but decide to save money and take the bus. You find the DAMRI counter, buy a ticket for 20,000 IDR ($1.30). The bus leaves at 7:00 PM, hits Friday evening traffic. You sit in traffic for 2.5 hours, reaching Amplas terminal at 9:30 PM. From there, you need a taxi to your hotel - it's now dark and taxi drivers quote 100,000 IDR ($6.65) for a 5km ride. You reach your hotel at 10:00 PM, exhausted. Had you taken the 7:00 PM train, you'd have been at Medan Station by 7:40 PM, taken a 30,000 IDR ($2) taxi, and been at your hotel by 8:00 PM. The "savings" of 55,000 IDR ($3.65) cost you 2 hours. This happens every Friday evening.

Arrival at Medan Station (Stasiun Medan)

Medan Station is in the Kesawan historic district, 2-8km from most city centre hotels. From the station, you have several options: Blue Bird taxi (queue outside station, 30,000-90,000 IDR/$2-6 to most hotels), Grab/Gojek (designated pickup area, similar price), or walking (only if your hotel is within 1km in Kesawan and you have light luggage). The station has basic facilities but can be crowded. Have your hotel address ready in Indonesian.

Railink Train Schedule Limitations

The biggest drawback of the Railink train is its limited schedule: First train from KNO: Around 7:00 AM. Last train from KNO: Approximately 7:00-8:00 PM. Frequency: Every 1-2 hours (not every 30 minutes like in Java). Always verify the current schedule as it changes occasionally. If you land after 6 PM, you might not make the last train. The internet says the train runs until 9 PM, but that's outdated information - the last train is usually earlier.

Railink Train vs Road Options

Railink advantages: Predictable timing (30-40 minutes regardless of traffic), air-conditioned comfort, no traffic stress. Disadvantages: Limited schedule (last train 7-8 PM), doesn't go door-to-door (requires taxi from station), infrequent (every 1-2 hours). During Medan's brutal rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM), the train is 60-90 minutes faster than road options. For business travelers with meetings, the train is essential for timing reliability.

KNO to City Centre by DAMRI Airport Bus

The DAMRI airport bus from Kualanamu to Medan is the budget option, but comes with significant time penalties due to traffic. Buses go to several terminals: Amplas terminal (main), Pinang Baris terminal, and sometimes direct to city centre locations. Travel time is 60-150 minutes depending on traffic - the most variable of any Indonesian airport bus. Cost is 20,000-50,000 IDR ($1.30-3.30). Buses depart from the airport, with frequency every 30-60 minutes.

DAMRI Bus from KNO to City Centre: Key Details

• Main Routes: KNO → Amplas Terminal, KNO → Pinang Baris Terminal, KNO → some direct city routes
• Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes depending on demand
• Operating Hours: Approximately 5:00 AM - 9:00/10:00 PM (varies by route)
• Luggage: Storage under bus (1-2 pieces included)
• Payment: Cash IDR at DAMRI counter or on bus
• Travel Time Reality: Official: 60-90 minutes. Realistic: 60-150 minutes. Rush hour: 90-180 minutes.
• Drop-off: Bus terminals, not hotels. You need additional local transport to hotel.
• Bus Quality: Varies from modern air-conditioned to older basic buses.

Why Choose DAMRI Bus to City Centre?

The DAMRI bus makes sense if: 1) You're on an extreme budget, 2) Your hotel is near a bus terminal, 3) You arrive after last train but before last bus, 4) You have unlimited time. Amplas Terminal is 5-10km south of the city centre. From there, you can take a local city bus (3,500-5,000 IDR/$0.25-0.35) or taxi (30,000-100,000 IDR/$2-6.65) to your hotel. The internet says the bus is "fine," but that's only true if you value your time at less than $2/hour.

DAMRI Bus Routes and Destinations

To Amplas Terminal: Most common route. Amplas is south of the city centre, with connections to intercity buses. To Pinang Baris Terminal: Less common, serves northwestern areas. Direct to city centre: Some DAMRI buses go directly to Jalan Pemuda or other central locations (40,000-50,000 IDR/$2.65-3.30), but these are less frequent. Always ask at the DAMRI counter if there's a direct bus to your area.

From Bus Terminals to Your Hotel

Getting from terminals to hotels:

• From Amplas Terminal: 5-10km to city centre. Taxi: 20-40 minutes, 30,000-100,000 IDR ($2-6.65). Angkot (minibus): 3,500-5,000 IDR ($0.25-0.35), multiple routes to city.
• From Pinang Baris Terminal: 8-15km to city centre. Taxi: 30-50 minutes, 40,000-120,000 IDR ($2.65-8).
• Local transport: Angkot (minibuses) are cheap but confusing for tourists. Routes are numbered but not well-marked. Better to take a taxi unless you're adventurous.

Bus vs Train to City Centre

Railink train advantages: 3-4x faster during rush hour, predictable timing, more comfortable. DAMRI bus advantages: 3-4x cheaper, goes to more terminals, runs slightly later (last bus 9-10 PM vs last train 7-8 PM). The math: Train costs 75,000 IDR + 30,000 IDR taxi = 105,000 IDR ($7), takes 35-60 minutes. Bus costs 20,000 IDR + 30,000 IDR taxi = 50,000 IDR ($3.30), takes 90-180 minutes. The train is 2-5x faster for 2x the price.

Taxi, Grab & Private Transfer from KNO to City Centre

Airport Taxi Counter (Official Fixed Price)

The official airport taxi counter at KNO arrivals offers fixed prices to city centre. To most city centre hotels: 300,000-500,000 IDR ($20-33) depending on exact location. Pay at counter, get receipt, driver takes you. Advantages: No haggling, 24/7 availability, registered drivers. Disadvantages: 2-3x more expensive than meter taxi or Grab. Many tourists use this for convenience, especially late at night or when tired after a long flight.

Blue Bird Taxi with Meter (Recommended if Taking Taxi)

Blue Bird taxis (blue with bird logo) are Medan's most reliable metered taxis. From KNO, they wait in designated queue. To city centre: 225,000-450,000 IDR ($15-30) on meter including tolls. Travel time: 60-120 minutes (heavily traffic dependent). Ensure meter is used ("argo"). Avoid touts saying "meter broken" - just get next taxi. Blue Bird taxis are generally safe, air-conditioned, and some drivers speak basic English. This is often the best value for 1-2 people if not taking train.

Grab & Gojek from KNO Airport

Grab and Gojek operate at KNO with designated pickup zones. GrabCar to city centre: 150,000-300,000 IDR ($10-20). GoCar similar. Often cheaper than regular taxis. Important: Pickup is at special area (follow signs). Some drivers cancel if they see large luggage. Payment: Cash or card in app. GoRide (motorbike taxi) available for solo travelers with backpack only (80,000-180,000 IDR/$5.30-12).

Pre-booked Private Transfer

Pre-booked private transfers cost 350,000-600,000 IDR ($23.25-40) for standard sedan. Driver meets you with sign at arrivals. Best for: Late arrivals, families, groups of 3-4, first-time visitors, business travelers. Fixed price means no surprises. Book online via Klook, GetYourGuide, or local companies. Often same price as airport taxi but with meet-and-greet service. Many Medan hotels offer airport transfer at 400,000-700,000 IDR ($26.50-46.50).

Is Airport Taxi Worth It vs Train?

Solo traveler: No (taxi 300,000+ IDR vs train 75,000+30,000 IDR taxi = 105,000 IDR). Couple: Possibly (taxi 300,000 IDR split = 150,000 each vs train 75,000+30,000 IDR taxi = 105,000 IDR each). Group of 3-4: Usually yes (taxi 300,000 IDR split = 75,000-100,000 each vs train 75,000+30,000-60,000 IDR taxi = 105,000-135,000 IDR each). Late night arrival (after 7-8 PM): Taxi is only practical option. With lots of luggage: Taxi is more convenient.

Negotiating with Independent Drivers at KNO

Outside the official taxi counter, independent drivers will offer "taxi to city." Initial quote: 400,000-700,000 IDR ($26.50-46.50). Negotiate down to 250,000-400,000 IDR ($16.50-26.50). Risks: Older cars, less insurance, possible additional stops, longer routes to increase fare. Safer: Use official counter or pre-book. If negotiating, agree on price including tolls, no additional stops, before entering car. Have exact address ready.

KNO Airport to City Centre Route Map & Medan Traffic

The map below shows travel routes from Medan Kualanamu International Airport (KNO) to Medan city centre. The distance is approximately 35-40km (22-25 miles) via the Belawan Toll Road.

View the route on Google Maps: View route from KNO Airport to Medan City Centre on Google Maps

The distance from KNO to city centre is 35-40km (22-25 miles) with travel time varying wildly: 45-75 minutes (late night, no traffic), 60-120 minutes (daytime), 90-180 minutes (rush hour). The Railink train takes 30-40 minutes regardless of traffic. Main roads: Belawan Toll Road (partially elevated), Jalan Gatot Subroto, Jalan Pemuda. Traffic congestion points: Toll gate exits, Jalan Gatot Subroto intersection, city centre entrance. Medan traffic is legendary in Indonesia - some of the worst outside Jakarta.

Why is KNO So Far from the City?

Kualanamu Airport opened in 2013, replacing the old Polonia Airport which was too close to the city for expansion. The 35-40km distance was chosen for expansion potential. The Railink train was built simultaneously to address the distance. The internet complains about the distance, but compared to Jakarta's traffic, the train makes it manageable. The real issue is that many travelers don't know about the train or arrive when it's not running.

Medan Traffic Patterns

Medan's traffic is characterized by: Poor lane discipline (cars, motorbikes, becaks everywhere), frequent roadworks, lack of bypass roads, and peak hours that last 3+ hours. Friday afternoon is the worst (3-8 PM). Rain turns minor floods into major traffic jams. The Belawan Toll Road helps but has its own congestion at exits. The train is the only reliable way to predict travel time.

Complete Bus & Train Route Details: KNO to City Centre

Railink Train Route and Stops

The Railink airport train follows this route with these stops:

1. Kualanamu Airport Station (Terminal 1, departure point)
2. Batang Kuis Station (15-20 minutes from airport, rural area)
3. Aras Kabu Station (20-25 minutes from airport, outskirts)
4. Medan Station (Stasiun Medan) (30-40 minutes from airport, city centre arrival)

Frequency: Every 1-2 hours. Operating hours from KNO: Approximately 7:00 AM - 7:00/8:00 PM. Travel time: 30-40 minutes. Cost: 75,000 IDR ($5) flat rate.

DAMRI Bus Routes from KNO

Main DAMRI bus routes from KNO Airport:

1. Route: KNO → Amplas Terminal
   • KNO Airport Terminal
   • Belawan Toll Road
   • Exit at Jalan Gatot Subroto
   • Jalan Sisingamangaraja
   • Amplas Terminal (south Medan)
2. Route: KNO → Pinang Baris Terminal (less frequent)
   • KNO Airport
   • Belawan Toll Road
   • Exit at northern exits
   • Pinang Baris Terminal (northwest Medan)
3. Route: KNO → Direct to City Centre (limited, ask at counter)
   • KNO Airport
   • Belawan Toll Road
   • Jalan Gatot Subroto
   • Jalan Pemuda (main street)
   • Various stops in city centre

From Arrival Points to Your Hotel

Depending on your arrival point, you'll need additional transport:

• From Medan Station (Railink): 2-8km to most city hotels. Taxi: 5-20 minutes, 30,000-90,000 IDR ($2-6). Grab/Gojek: similar. Walking possible for hotels in Kesawan area (5-15 minutes).
• From Amplas Terminal (DAMRI bus): 5-10km to city hotels. Taxi: 20-40 minutes, 30,000-100,000 IDR ($2-6.65). Angkot: 3,500-5,000 IDR ($0.25-0.35) but confusing routes.
• From Pinang Baris Terminal (DAMRI bus): 8-15km to city hotels. Taxi: 30-50 minutes, 40,000-120,000 IDR ($2.65-8).

City Centre Key Areas in Medan

• Jalan Pemuda/Jalan SM Raja: Main business/shopping district, most hotels, restaurants.
• Kesawan: Historic area near Medan Station, colonial buildings, some hotels.
• Sudirman: Commercial area with offices and some hotels.
• Polonia: Near old airport, some older hotels.
• Amplas: Southern area, near terminal, budget accommodations.
• Helvetia/Sunggal: Northern residential areas, some hotels.

KNO to City Centre: Ticketing, Costs & Payment

Buying Railink Train Tickets at KNO

• Location: Railink ticket counter at airport train station (in Terminal 1)
• Payment: Cash IDR or debit/credit card
• Cost: 75,000 IDR ($5) flat rate
• Schedule: Posted at station. Frequency every 1-2 hours
• Last train: Usually 7:00-8:00 PM from airport - verify!
• Ticket: Get paper ticket - show when boarding
• Luggage: No extra charge for reasonable luggage

Buying DAMRI Bus Tickets at KNO

• Location: DAMRI counters in arrival hall
• Payment: Cash IDR only
• Cost: 20,000-50,000 IDR ($1.30-3.30) depending on route
• Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes
• Last bus: Usually 9:00-10:00 PM - varies by route
• Destinations: Specify "Amplas" for most connections or ask for direct to your area

Payment Methods in Medan

• Cash (Indonesian Rupiah): Essential for buses, some taxis, small purchases.
• Credit cards: Accepted at airport taxi counters (3-5% fee often added). Some hotels/drivers accept.
• Grab/Gojek: Can link international credit card or pay cash IDR.
• Small bills: Get 50,000 IDR notes at airport ATM. Bus/train needs exact fare or small bills.
• ATMs: Available in arrival hall. Withdraw 1-2 million IDR ($66.50-133) for initial expenses.
• Money changers: At airport and in city centre (compare rates).

Scenario-Based Guide: Which Option When?

By Arrival Time

Early Morning (midnight-6 AM): Airport taxi counter or pre-booked transfer only. No trains/buses. Grab may have few drivers. Morning (6-9 AM): All options available. Rush hour starts 7 AM - train is 60+ minutes faster. Daytime (9 AM-4 PM): All options. Train is fastest. Evening Rush (4-8 PM): Train only - road options will take 90-180 minutes. Late Evening (8-10 PM): Check if DAMRI bus still running, otherwise taxi. Late Night (10 PM-midnight): Airport taxi counter or pre-booked transfer only.

By Traveler Type

Solo backpacker: Railink train if before 7 PM, otherwise DAMRI bus or Grab. Couple with 1 suitcase: Railink train + taxi, or Grab split cost. Taxi if after 7 PM. Family with kids (2+2): Pre-booked transfer or taxi. Train possible but with kids and luggage, taxi easier. Elderly/disabled travelers: Pre-booked transfer with assistance. Train has steps. Business traveler: Railink train (predictable timing) or pre-booked transfer (receipt). Group of 3-4 adults: Taxi split cost or pre-booked transfer.

By Luggage Situation

Backpack only: All options. Railink train easy. 1 medium suitcase: Railink train manageable (luggage racks). DAMRI bus (under-bus storage). 2+ suitcases or large bags: Taxi/transfer only. Train possible but cumbersome. Oversized equipment: Pre-booked van transfer. Important: Medan sidewalks are often obstructed - be prepared to carry bags on roads.

By Budget

Ultra-budget (under 50,000 IDR/$3.30): DAMRI bus (20,000 IDR) + walk if hotel near terminal. Budget (50,000-150,000 IDR/$3.30-10): Railink train (75,000 IDR) + short walk or local taxi. Standard (150,000-300,000 IDR/$10-20): Grab or taxi split between 2-3 people. Premium (300,000+ IDR/$20+): Taxi/private transfer door-to-door.

By Destination in Medan

Hotels near Medan Station/Kesawan: Railink train ideal (walkable). Hotels on Jalan Pemuda/SM Raja: Railink + short taxi (5-10 minutes) or DAMRI direct bus if available. Hotels in Sudirman area: Railink + taxi (10-15 minutes). Hotels in Polonia area: Taxi from any arrival point. Hotels near Amplas: DAMRI bus to Amplas terminal + short taxi.

Special Conditions

Rainy season (Oct-Jan): Flooding common in Medan. Add 30-90 minutes to road travel. Train unaffected. Friday prayer time (12-2 PM Fridays): Traffic increases around mosques. Add 20-40 minutes. Indonesian holidays: Traffic lighter in city but heavier on toll road. Ramadan: Traffic patterns change; afternoon rush starts earlier (3-4 PM). Large events/conferences: Check if any major events causing extra traffic.

Real Traveler Experience: Getting to City Centre from KNO

Getting from Kualanamu Airport to Medan city centre is a test of patience and planning. The Railink train is the hidden gem that most travelers miss. I've taken it multiple times and it's consistently on time, clean, and comfortable. The problem is the limited schedule - if you land after 6 PM, you're probably out of luck. Medan's traffic is as bad as they say - I've sat in a taxi for 2.5 hours to go 35km. The DAMRI bus is even slower. First-time visitors often panic at the taxi prices (300,000-500,000 IDR/$20-33) and take the bus, not realizing it could take 3 hours. I've seen tourists arriving at 4 PM on Friday, taking the bus, and reaching their hotel at 7:30 PM - missing dinner plans. The train station at KNO is well-signed but small. Buying tickets is straightforward if you have cash. At Medan Station, the taxi queue can be long but moves. The internet says Medan traffic is terrible, and that's 100% accurate. The train is the only way to beat it, but only if you arrive at the right time.

The internet says DAMRI bus is fine, but that's only true if...

...you're a student with unlimited time, arriving between 10 AM-2 PM on a weekday, staying at a hotel within walking distance of Amplas terminal, and you enjoy watching Indonesian soap operas on bus TVs for 2-3 hours. For everyone else - business travelers, families, tourists with limited time, or anyone arriving during rush hour - the bus is a terrible choice. The 55,000 IDR ($3.65) you "save" over the train will cost you 2-3 hours of your life sitting in traffic.

A common mistake I see at KNO Airport

A business traveler arrives at 5:30 PM on a Thursday. He sees the Railink counter, checks the schedule - next train 6:00 PM, last train 7:00 PM. He thinks, "I'll take a taxi, it's faster." He pays 350,000 IDR ($23.25) at the airport taxi counter. The taxi hits Thursday evening traffic. He sits in the car for 2 hours, reaching his hotel at 7:30 PM, stressed and late for his 7:00 PM meeting. Had he taken the 6:00 PM train, he'd have been at Medan Station by 6:40 PM, taken a 30,000 IDR ($2) taxi, and been at his hotel by 7:00 PM, saving 320,000 IDR ($21.25) and arriving on time. This overconfidence in taxis happens because people don't believe traffic can be that bad. In Medan, it is.

Medan's Unique Traffic Culture

Medan drivers are... aggressive. Lane markings are suggestions. Motorbikes weave everywhere. Becaks (three-wheeled pedicabs) move slowly in fast traffic. The Belawan Toll Road helps but has its own issues. Friday afternoon is genuinely apocalyptic - the entire city seems to be leaving at once. If you must travel by road during peak hours, mentally prepare for a long, stressful journey. The train is a peaceful alternative when available.

Medan-Specific Tips & Local Insights

• With luggage: Railink train has luggage racks. Taxi is easiest door-to-door. DAMRI bus has under-bus storage.
• First-time visitor tip: Take Railink train if before 7 PM, otherwise airport taxi counter. Don't experiment with buses on first visit.
• Late night travel (after 9-10 PM): Airport taxi counter or pre-booked transfer only. Last train 7-8 PM. Last bus 9-10 PM.
• Early morning arrivals (before 6 AM): Airport taxi counter operates 24/7. First train around 7 AM. First bus around 5 AM.
• With kids: Pre-booked transfer or taxi. Train is possible but requires transfer. Consider travel time vs convenience.
• Cost-saving tip: Railink train (75,000 IDR) + walk if hotel within 1km of Medan Station.
• Time-saving tip: Railink train during rush hour (4-8 PM) - unaffected by traffic. Taxi will be stuck for 2-3 hours.
• Friday afternoon (3-8 PM): Absolute worst traffic. Train is 2-3 hours faster. If no train, consider waiting at airport until 8 PM.
• Rainy season (Oct-Jan): Medan floods easily. Add 50-100% to road travel time. Train unaffected.
• Group travel: 3-4 people: Taxi split cost. 4+ people: Pre-booked minivan or multiple taxis.
• Buying tickets: Railink tickets at station. DAMRI at airport counters. Have small IDR bills ready.
• Hotel location specifics: Near Medan Station: train ideal. Jalan Pemuda: train+short taxi. Other areas: taxi from any arrival point.
• Return trip to KNO: Allow 3-4 hours before flight. Train is 30-40 minutes but need to get to Medan Station. Friday afternoon: leave 4-5 hours early.
• Mobile apps: Download: Grab, Gojek, Google Maps (traffic), KAI Access (train schedule). Have local SIM.
• Money: Withdraw 1-2 million IDR ($66.50-133) at airport ATM. Get 50,000 IDR notes. Many places cash-only.
• Safety: Medan is generally safe but be alert. Use Blue Bird taxis or Grab/Gojek. Avoid unmarked taxis. Keep valuables secure.
• Language: Basic English understood in tourist areas. Have hotel address written in Indonesian or on phone.
• Becak (pedicab) warning: In city centre, becak drivers will overcharge. Agree on price before riding. Short rides: 20,000-50,000 IDR ($1.30-3.30).
• Local food delivery: If stuck in traffic from airport, consider using GoFood to have food delivered to your hotel for arrival.
• Airport facilities: KNO is modern with free WiFi, ATMs, money changers, restaurants. Consider eating at airport if facing rush hour.
• Business district: Most business hotels on Jalan Pemuda/SM Raja - 5-15 minutes from Medan Station by taxi.

Frequently Asked Questions: KNO Airport to Medan City Centre